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Department of Energy Opens Research Dialogues with a Glass Science Legend
Join Dr. John Mauro, co-inventor of Gorilla® Glass, for a rare career deep-dive at the BES ECN Fireside Chat.
Joseph Sampson
June 27, 2025 • 6 minutes
What’s Happening Today!
Welcome to a new & exciting daily post from That Black Chemist!
Today we’re spotlighting a rare chance to hear directly from one of the most influential inventors in materials science: Dr. John Mauro, co-creator of Corning Gorilla® Glass. On July 9th, the Department of Energy is hosting a Fireside Chat where early-career scientists can ask him questions about research, patents, publishing, and career pivots.
Next, we’re breaking down a concept that ancient civilizations were obsessed with: the solstice. Learn how Earth’s tilt creates our seasons, why the sun only shines directly overhead in certain regions, and how this phenomenon shaped modern satellite orbits.
Thanks for staying around for another awesome week of internship, scholarship, and research information from That Black Chemist!
Upcoming Opportunities
🔥 Learn from a Glass Science Legend at DOE’s BES Fireside Chat
The Department of Energy’s Basic Energy Sciences Early Career Network (BES ECN) is hosting an intimate, one-hour Fireside Chat with Dr. John Mauro, a National Academy of Engineering member and prolific inventor with over 85 U.S. patents.
This virtual event is tailored for undergraduate students, graduate students, postdocs, and early-career scientists eager to explore diverse career paths in research, innovation, and leadership.
📅 Event Details
Date: Wednesday, July 9, 2025
Time: 4:00 – 5:00 pm EDT (1:00 – 2:00 pm PDT)
Location: Virtual (Zoom link provided after registration)
Registration: (Register here)
🎙️ About the Speaker: Dr. John Mauro
Head of Materials Science & Engineering at Penn State
Co-inventor of Corning Gorilla® Glass
Editor-in-Chief, Journal of the American Ceramic Society
Author of 400+ publications & 85 U.S. patents
Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors and the World Academy of Ceramics
⚠️ Bonus Opportunities You Should Know
🧪 NSF REU Summer Research Programs: List of funded undergrad research programs. (Search here)
🎓 Pathways to Science: List of paid internships and research opportunities for high school, undergraduate, and graduate students. (Search here)
💰 NASA OSTEM Internships: List of NASA Internships for high school and undergraduate STEM students (More info).
🧠 NASA Pathways Internship: Multi-semester internship involving different career paths at NASA (Link).
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Scientist’s Scroll
🌍 What is a Solstice?
A solstice marks the longest or shortest day of the year and happens when the sun is directly overhead at one of two special latitudes: the Tropic of Cancer (June 21) or the Tropic of Capricorn (December 21). Solstices happen because Earth’s axis is tilted 23.5°, which also causes our seasons.
At the poles, solstices mean weeks or months without sunrise or sunset, while near the equator, daylight stays pretty even year-round.
Tip of the Day
🧑🏾🏫 Research Your Professors Before You Register
Picking the right class isn’t just about the subject—it’s also about who’s teaching it. Taking time to research professors before signing up can save you a lot of stress and help you get more out of your education. Here’s why:
Teaching Styles Vary: Some professors are theory-heavy while others emphasize real-world applications. Knowing their style can help you match courses to your learning needs.
Grading Trends Matter: Some instructors grade strictly, while others offer more flexibility or curve exams, so ask previous students about their experiences and recommendations.
Communication is Key: Professors who are responsive and open to questions make a huge difference in how supported you feel during the semester.
Research & Mentorship Potential: Want to work in a lab or get a reference later? Taking a class with a potential mentor is a smart long-term move.
Avoid Surprises: Students often drop classes not because of the material but because of misaligned expectations with the instructor. A little research now prevents headaches later.
Subscribe to explore daily research opportunities!
Today’s Theme: Fact or Fiction Friday
Congratulations on making it through the work week! Ready to test your science savvy?
👇🏾 Vote if you think the statement below is fact or fiction and tell us why in the comments!
Statement: Ants can lift up to 50 times their own body weight.
Reply